Thomas Tuchel’s England side will face Norway in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup on Saturday after an extraordinary 3-2 victory over Mexico at the iconic Azteca stadium. The drama unfolded on an epic night in Mexico City that saw the Three Lions roar back to secure their place in the last eight. The result sets up a meeting with Norway, who await England in the next round as the tournament moves on.
The victory was far from straightforward. Mexico pushed England all the way, scoring twice to keep the tie alive, but Tuchel’s men held firm to claim a win that will live long in the memory. The electric atmosphere at the Azteca, one of football’s most storied venues, only added to the intensity of the contest.
“England beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca to set up a World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday.”
For England, the win comes at a significant cost. Midfielder Jordan Henderson was taken to hospital after a freak accident during the post-match celebrations and is expected to require surgery, ruling him out of the rest of the tournament. His absence will be a blow as the squad prepares for the quarter-final clash.
The match itself was billed as a test of England’s resilience under Tuchel, and they delivered. Playing with pace and precision, the Three Lions took an early lead but were pegged back by a resilient Mexican side. A second-half surge appeared to secure victory before a late Mexico goal set up a tense finale, but England held on to trigger wild celebrations.
Tuchel now turns his attention to Norway, a side that will pose a different challenge. England’s journey continues on Saturday with a place in the semi-finals at stake. The quarter-final will be the sternest examination yet of Tuchel’s tactical nous and his team’s ability to handle pressure.
The heroics in Mexico City have already etched this England team into fans’ hearts. But with Norway looming, the real question is whether they can go all the way.